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General Sessions
3 days filled with learning, networking, and building meaningful relationships.
7:45am – 4:45pm

Registration & Information Desk

Location: Ellington Pre-Function
8:00am – 8:45am

Networking Breakfast

Location: Overlook
8:45am – 9:30am

Workshops (Choose 1 of 3)

Option 1
Finding Technology that Tastes Good for Food Teams
Location: Salon B

In today’s rapidly evolving foodservice landscape, the right technology can make all the difference. Jonathan will explore how innovative tech solutions can seamlessly integrate into your daily operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and empowering your culinary teams. Discover how Galley Solutions' cutting-edge software not only supports but enhances the workflow and creativity of food service professionals. Attendees will leave with valuable insights on selecting tech that aligns with culinary goals and operational needs, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Speakers:

Vice President of Sales and Food Data Advisor
Galley Solutions

Presented By:
Galley Solutions
The Evolution of Convenience
Location: Salon C

C-Stores in the Non-Commercial space are progressively developing.  This exclusive educational session will provide unique insights for menu planning and the future of grab-and-go with an emphasis on snacking.  Join FSD Editorial Director Tara Fitzpatrick as she sits down with Industry professionals for an intimate discussion on all things C-Store!  Bring any burning questions you want to know.  

Speakers:


Maverik

9:30am – 9:45am

Transition Break

9:45am – 11:15am

General Session

Location: Ellington Salon D-F
AI vs. HI- Unlocking Flavors of the Future by Combining Human Intelligence with Artificial Intelligence

Whether you are fine-tuning existing dishes or venturing into unexplored trend territories, leveraging AI platforms can serve as a stepping stone to achieving culinary brilliance!  During this session Chef Ian Rameriz will guide us through interactive program to explore the synergy between AI and Human Intelligence within recipe and menu development. This eye-opening presentation we will examine how AI can be a powerful tool for recipe development; while proving that the power of the human brain is what can take these ideas to the next level. Get ready to unlock the secrets of flavor mapping, an exercise that empowers humans to take culinary innovation to the next level. Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey, discovering how AI and human intelligence harmoniously blend to unlock the vibrant flavors of the future!

Speakers:

Founder
Mad Honey Culinary Studio

The “Dish” on Menu Planning

This interactive session will highlight leading Operators from both Non-Commercial and Commercial Segments and how they Approach Menu Planning with Success Keeping Sustainability top of mind!

Speakers:

Senior Editor | Moderator
Restaurant Business, FoodService Director

CEO / Chief Culinary & Concept Officer
Frisch’s® Restaurants / Experiential Brands

11:15am – 11:45am

Networking Break

Location: Ellington Pre-Function
Presented By:
Pacific Northwest Canned Pears
11:45am – 12:30pm

Workshops (Choose 1 of 3)

Option 1
Global Flavor Trends - Culinary Inspiration
Location: Salon B

Simplot Corporate Chef Roberto Roman will be preparing dishes from our latest global trends recipe collection, answering questions, and showcasing new Simplot products. 

Speakers:

Corporate Executive Chef
Simplot

Presented By:
J.R. Simplot Company - Boise, ID
Making Menus Work Harder for your Bottom Line
Location: Salon C

In an era where a menu is more than a list of items but a strategic (brand) tool to maximize profitability, it is important for every operator to understand how to navigate the evolving culinary landscape and the pivotal role technology will play in this space as we move forward.  Hear key insights from top operator leaders on how they are leveraging menu trends and tech advancements to catapult their business.  Leave this session with new ideas and actionable takeaways to drive greater profitability from your greatest restaurant tool!

12:30pm – 2:45pm

Vendor Fair Lunch

Location: Overlook

Enjoy a roving lunch as you stroll through the Vendor Fair visiting our supplier partners to learn about new offerings, helpful solutions and more!

3:00pm – 4:45pm

General Session

Location: Ellington Salon D-F
Consumer & Menu Trends to Watch

This presentation will highlight top consumer trends and relevant menu insights from different demographics. Katie Belflower will share both menu examples and Technomic consumer data to inspire ideas that will appeal to operators from all sectors’ and their target customer base!

Speakers:

Editor
Technomic

Labor Shifts

In the ongoing battle to recruit and retain employees, foodservice directors often have to out-fox streetside restaurants dangling sweeter incentives. This lively panel discussion with Peter Romeo, Editor at Large for Restaurant Business, will provide insight to what benefits and employment concessions are proving most effective in the commercial sector.  Learn what attractions are working best from some of the top restaurant employers wielding them.

Speakers:

Editor-at-Large and Vice President of Content Innovation
Restaurant Business

Think Tank Collaborative Group Roundtable Discussions

Each Table/Group will select one Topic Challenge as a focus for their discussion during the think tank. Groups will have about 15 minutes to collaborate and review the topic, identify key challenges in the industry, and discuss possible solutions to help move the industry forward. The goal is to identify 2-3 top insights/solutions as a group!

Speakers:

Senior Executive Editor
FoodService Director

Vice President, Content
Informa Connect Foodservice

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Vendor Fair Teardown

Location: Overlook
5:30pm – 7:30pm

Taste Venture

Location: Ellington Pre-function/Foyer
Presented By:
Hormel Foods
20+Speakers
4Noncommercial Segments